For this question, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics. The building was haunted by a couple of spooks.

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to spooks in the sentence "The building was haunted by a couple of spooks."

Explain the concept: In English, "spook" is an informal word with a few meanings:

• A ghost or spirit (the most common meaning)
• A spy (in American slang)

The sentence gives a strong clue: the building was haunted. The word "haunted" is linked to ghosts, spirits and supernatural presences. So the word that fits the context is the one that means a ghost.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Look at the context clue: haunted → supernatural beings.
2. Check each option: • A. ghosts: matches "spooks" exactly and fits with "haunted." • B. robbers: robbers may break into a building, but we say a building is "burgled," not "haunted," by them. • C. hyenas: these are animals, and animals don't "haunt" buildings in this sense. • D. hunters: hunters pursue game and have no link to haunting.
3. The best match is ghosts.

Answer: A. ghosts.

Tip: In vocabulary-in-context questions, hunt for the clue word in the sentence. Here, "haunted" points you straight to "ghosts." Also remember that "spook" and "spooky" both come from the idea of ghosts and eerie things.